What is Panna Cotta?

There are ancestors to the dish going back a hundred years earlier that refer to creams and custards structured in a mold using gelatin.

Our Approach to Eggnog Panna Cotta

Similar to what we did with our eggnog bread pudding or eggnog white Russian recipe, we’re essentially going to replace the cream with eggnog. Oftentimes, panna cotta will have the cream flavored with spices and aromatics, so subbing in eggnog is a great way to achieve a more complex flavor profile.

One thing to note is that traditionally panna cotta does NOT have egg in it, so the traditional version is not actually a true custard. Since our recipe uses eggnog, it would be considered a custard.

How Does Gelatin Work?

Gelatin achieves this by unfolding into long spaghetti-like proteins which tangle together and then when cooled, hold them in shape.

What is even more fantastic is that when the substance warms up again, the proteins loosen up and the solid turns back into a liquid. This is the magic that gives jello and panna cotta it’s amazing texture and mouthfeel.

Vegan Options for Panna Cotta

Surprisingly, it isn’t that hard to make a vegan panna cotta. You can use almond, cashew, or coconut milk in place of the cream and agar or carrageenan in place of gelatin. The texture will not come out as smooth but it definitely works as an alternative.

Don’t want to use sugar? A ¼ – ⅙ ratio of stevia in place of sugar will work plenty fine.

What Makes a Good Eggnog Panna Cotta

Good panna cotta with eggnog should not be too sweet. Because eggnog is already pretty sweet, be careful about not adding too much additional sugar to this recipe. Texture-wise, it should hold its shape on a spoon or in the mold. When agitated, it should jiggle (like jello).

What Pairs with Eggnog Panna Cotta?

Oftentimes panna cotta will be served with a berry coulis or topping. In our version, we give the option to top with cranberry sauce to amp up the holiday theming.

Don’t have any cranberry sauce? You can always mash up some blackberries or raspberries, or even a tiny bit of jam would work in a pinch.

Tools Required

This recipe is really simple. You only need a saucepan to heat the eggnog, a small bowl to soak your gelatin, and some cups or bowls to chill your panna cotta in.

Eggnog Panna Cotta

Yield: 6 Servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

3 cups eggnog

1 pack gelatin

1/4 cup sugar (you can completely omit this if you want since eggnog is already pretty sugary)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons warm water

Instructions

In the saucepan add your eggnog, vanilla, and optional sugar over low heat

Pour warm water into a small bowl, and add the gelatin sheet to the water